Homeowners Robbed During Backyard β€œWater Test”

Police investigating two burglaries in Clairemont and Mira Mesa

A team of burglars imitated utility workers in order to gain access to homes in Clairemont and Mira Mesa earlier this month according to San Diego police.

Ernesto Umali lost $13,000 in jewelry, stolen right under his nose Thursday.

A man identified himself as from the water company and asked the couple turn on the faucet in their backyard while he tested their sink water.

At the same time, police say, someone was inside the home taking a box of jewelry cash and passports.

Umali didn’t notice anything until Sunday before church.

β€œIn that box, I put my Rolex, necklace and bracelet and ring,” he said. β€œIt's gone, all gone.”

In this incident the man drove a white F-150 and appeared to be between 25 and 35 years old.

Just two days earlier, a "well-groomed" man with an average build knocked on another couple's door and told them he needed to investigate a leak. The couple walked the suspect to the backyard and watched him test their faucets.

While the three were in the backyard, police detectives believe a second suspect slipped into the house and stole the couple's jewelry.

The couple realized jewelry, documents and cash were missing soon after the man had left and called the police.

Several other cases with similar occurrences happened in February.

Investigators say the suspects may be responsible for a series of crimes in San Carlos in late 2010.

β€œWe never got anybody from the first series. They just kind of died off. And we think now they've started up again,” said San Diego Police spokesperson Lt. Andra Brown.

Police are asking anyone with information on this suspicious activity to contact police at 619- 531-2000.

Follow NBCSanDiego for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts

Contact Us